THINKING ABOUT SELLING

[albion]

Folks I am not afraid of the sailing bit. its the setting up all the gear thats the problem. I would hate to look like a big wally while making mistakes.As I mentioned earlier I only need someone to help me get started. Thanks for encouraging me.

[kmclemore]

You know, I've found that the older I get, the less I give a d*mn about looking like a 'wally'. I often look like a fool, and frankly I just no longer care. I'm human.

As for sailing your Mac, take little steps, as others have said. Start slow. But whatever you do, don't give up before even trying, Albion. Think about it. Would you want your son to do that? To quit before he gave a new and challenging situation a good try?

Trust me, we *all* started as newbies. You're just the latest in a long line, and there's more queued up behind you.

Give it a go. Try your best. You'll do just fine!

(BTW, reading the Mac manual is a very good little primer. Let me know if you need a copy, as I have it in PDF format.)

[albion]

You know, I've found that the older I get, the less I give a d*mn about looking like a 'wally'. I often look like a fool, and frankly I just no longer care. I'm human.

As for sailing your Mac, take little steps, as others have said. Start slow. But whatever you do, don't give up before even trying, Albion. Think about it. Would you want your son to do that? To quit before he gave a new and challenging situation a good try?

Trust me, we *all* started as newbies. You're just the latest in a long line, and there's more queued up behind you.

Give it a go. Try your best. You'll do just fine!

(BTW, reading the Mac manual is a very good little primer. Let me know if you need a copy, as I have it in PDF format.)

I do have theMac manual. Bill B4S set the boat up with lines led aft but no roller furler. I will keep the boat for a year or so. It would be nice to have a volunteer to go with me though.

[Andy26M]

In my opinion, the 26M sails very well with Mainsail alone (apparently the 26X did better with jib alone, but the 26M is balanced differently).

I'd do just as recommended above - go out on a light air day, ignore the jib entirely, just pull up the Main and see what happens.

Keep the motor down and even idling at first - if things go awry somehow then simply slack the mainsheet and take over with the engine. Figure out the issue, then try again.

If you think you are looking like a "wally" and there is anyone close enough that you care about, then just tell them you let your wife take the boat out last weekend with her bridge club and they've messed with your fine tuning.

Note: Don't use this comment on anyone who might relay it back to your wife (Admiral).

- Andy

[Catigale]

ALbion - you want to sit out for that 'perfect day'

You want over 5 mph winds otherwise it will be too hard to get the boat to respond...but you want <10 mph winds so that mistakes are easily fixed...just keep going out on weekends, motor around if the wind isnt right until it cooperates!!

[Theo]

Albion Wrote

Folks I am not afraid of the sailing bit. its the setting up all the gear thats the problem. I would hate to look like a big wally while making mistakes.As I mentioned earlier I only need someone to help me get started.

I think the problem he's having is just getting the sails up, boom attached, halyards cleated off properly, sheets run properly, etc. Somebody up there should give him a quick visit on a weekend to help him out. For someone that has never sailed that part can be pretty intimidating.

Theo

[JustSail]

Albion,

Where do you sail out of?

I ditto the sailing club suggestion. We have a great one down here at Alum Creek.

[mssydnie]

As usual "Uncle" McLemore comes thrpotgh again. Great comment Kevin....who cares what you look like !!!! Believe very quickly you will become a "sailor" ....not a "Great" sailor but a sailor nevertheless. Great sailing may be an "art" or a "science" ......"fun sailing is neither! Don't give up.

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

ALbion - you want to sit out for that 'perfect day'

You want over 5 mph winds otherwise it will be too hard to get the boat to respond...but you want <10 mph winds so that mistakes are easily fixed...just keep going out on weekends, motor around if the wind isnt right until it cooperates!!

That is a good suggestion

Thats what I do...since Im a fair weather sailor. Motoring around when conditions are too windy works fine for me. Winds at 10-17 mph or such, is what I like best when wrestling single handed. I like feeling good after a sailing/motoring event, instead of worn out from my favorite hobby.
If or when I have extra talent on board--I dont mind putting the Mac to the tests. Its just simply safer when one reaches my age--Oh wait .. Im not that old...

Happy Sailing ALBION !

[albion]

Albion,

Where do you sail out of?

I ditto the sailing club suggestion. We have a great one down here at Alum Creek.

Justsail. I have only been on WESTBRANCH STATE PARK so far. I would like to get the boat on Lake Erie some time though.ALBION

[Matt19020]

Albion I just put my new Mac in for the first time this Saturday. I consider myself a novice. We went sailing on Sunday for the first time and we had her at 32 degree a half a dozen times in 20 mph winds and 25 gust. I was ready for a drink or two when we got back to the dock but I have no regrets. Hang in there it will get better. The first time I went out with my wife in my old boat I hit her in the head with the boom as soon as I raised the sail. I explained to her it was a learning curve we all go through with a new boat ...She got over it... She trust me now but she still ducks down every time the boom moves??? It will get better! She drinks now too!

[NiceAft]

Albion,

If I understand you correctly, your problem is in setting up the rigging to go sailing?
ALBION SAID

Folks I am not afraid of the sailing bit. its the setting up all the gear thats the problem. I would hate to look like a big wally while making mistakes.As I mentioned earlier I only need someone to help me get started. Thanks for encouraging me.

Let me tell you that setting up the rigging before the sail is not a five minute deal. I've heard of people who can do a set up in 30 minutes. It takes me a minimum of 90 minutes. It has taken me as long as two hours. Don't worry about it! Take your time, and learn how to do it. Make a checklist of what to do. SO WHAT IF YOU START OUT SLOW It will get better. Heck, I've got it down to 90 minutes

As Jackie Gleason use to say,"Don't sweat it pal"


Ray

[John McDonough]

Jackie Gleason also said; If you cant find the time to do it right, when will you ever find the time to do it over.

Albion. I probably know Erie better than most sailers and have owned numerous Macgregors and wooden boats. I could plan to meet you somewhere on Erie and help you set up your boat. I know all the tricks. I will bring my spinaker if you dont own one. My son is into Soccer for the next two weeks, then I could probably meet you somewhere. PM me your phone number.

John Mc

[Bawgy]

What a good Guy John McDonough. Thats what seperates sailing buddies from yacht owners

[Randy McCotter]

GEE TERRY YOU'RE OLD !!!

Albion: I've had an interest in sailing since I was a kid.... never really knew why. A couple of years ago, I just said "to hull with it" and bought a 2002 26X. My sailing experience before that was 2 hrs on a 26s and I was sold. I brought the boat home, set it up twice in my yard (so I didn't look like an idiot at the marina) and packed er' up for the water. I set it up, backed it in and haven't looked back since. The first summer, I got a few "character" scratches, looked like an idiot while docking (and still do from time to time). Been in "irons" more times than i can count ( I can only count to 20.5) and it's still fun! I've scared myself on a few occasions by having too much sail out and not reefing in time. What I've learned from all this? You are never too old to learn ! Don't be afraid to try new things! Sometimes a mistake can teach you a lot ! Do what you love to do and never give up!

Fair Winds........ Randy.